Oxford

The Nierengartens and Blossoms took their first day trip together last weekend. Hopefully it's the first of many to come. Such little time and so much to see. 


Note to self-- Oxford is more of an afternoon trip than a morning trip. We're so used to starting our days early since we have kids, but nothing opened until noon. It was raining and we were searching. 


My brother's best man, Nick, used to live in Bicester, which is a 15 minute drive from Oxford. Nick was kind enough to give us detailed suggestions (including a map he scribbled on for us) on what to see, eat, and drink in Oxford. Thanks a million!


Unfortunately, it was raining the entire day. We spent the first part just walking around the adorable town waiting for everything to open. Our first stop was, Bangkok House, an amazing Thai restaurant. We were literally the only people eating and I think we made the wait staff a bit flustered. The strollers seemed to really stress them out. "Why don't you just drive your cars in here. These are so big." Is what we heard from the waitress. Side note: our stroller is one of the smallest in the States, but definitely the largest here. Another example of how things are smaller in Europe. They did eventually warm up to us. It was probably Coltan's good looks and charm. We had to capture a picture of him drinking his tea with his Mummy. 

This is the only picture I took of Oxford itself, since it was down pouring. I didn't want to ruin our camera during our first day trip.

Stop #2: Rosie 'O Grady's, Nick's favorite pub in England. We had to go there, especially after he explained how to drink a proper Guinness. "Don't be a tourist and take the pint early- a proper pour is 2/3 the way, then the bar tender will set it on the table to settle, but will come back to it to finish the pour with Shamrock." It's funny...Michael and I have sat back and watched others grab their pints early since this trip. Nick, I'm sad to say that Rosie 'O Grady's is no longer Rosie 'O Grady's. It was changed about 2 years ago to The Duke's Cut.

Michael was a bit anxious and tried grabbing his pint early before it turned black. Silly, American.

Sorry boys, I was having focusing problems.

After enjoying our delicious Guinness we headed over to Christ Church where Harry Potter and Alice and Wonderland were inspired. 

Anyone interested in a game of Quidditch? 

This is the dining hall that inspired Hogwart's dining hall in Harry Potter!

The chapel itself was gorgeous! Grace slept the entire time until we walked inside the "no talking" chapel. Good thing she was on her best behavior. 

She is becoming quite the tourist and likes to be involved. We were asked the language of our choice and were handed this paper as we walked into the chapel. I took the below descriptions from this helpful guide. 

St. Frideswide Window- This upper panel shows a ship of souls carrying St. Frideswide to heaven. The brilliantly coloured lower window panels tell the earthly story of this eighth century local saint. 

The Chancel Vault-- This remarkable stone vault is made up of intricate star-shaped patterns to create an image of heaven. Twelve beautiful pendants hang gracefully from it. 

The Bell Altar-- This altar was made to mark the millennium and is dedicated in memory of Bishop George Bell, who courageously opposed the bombing of German cities in WW2. A cross which stands near it, was cut from the underside of the altar. (This was one of my favorite parts of the church.)

St. Catherine Window-- The face of the central figure, St. Catherine of Alexandria, is a picture of Edith Liddell. Her sister, Alice, was the inspiration for the book, Alice in Wonderland, and a portrait of Alice may be seen in a window in the Great Hall at Christ Church. 

...and that was the story of Alice and Wonderland and Harry Potter.

THE END!